The Unfulfilled Promise of "Just One Makgeolli"… Choe Bul-am, the "National Father," Becomes an Eternal Star

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Actor Choe Bul-am, who passed away at the age of 87, is leaving a sense of deep sorrow as his final promise from his hospital bed has come to light.

Choe died around 10 p.m. on the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment at a hospital in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

The deterioration of Choe's health began after he underwent lumbar disc surgery in March of last year. At the time, his mobility became impaired, leading him to step down from "Korean Table," a KBS 1TV documentary program that had been airing for 14 years since 2011. He subsequently devoted himself to rehabilitation, but it is known that his health rapidly declined.

In June, Choe Hui-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, visited the hospitalized Choe, drawing public attention. At the time, Minister Choe stated, "I paid a respectful visit to our 'National Father,' Mr. Choe Bul-am, and conveyed my greetings." She added, "I was greatly reassured as he greeted me warmly with his signature 'Paha' laugh. He told me we should have a glass of makgeolli together once he is discharged."

However, the sad news arrived just four months later, making it impossible to fulfill that simple promise of "just one makgeolli" forever. Because the late actor maintained his characteristic hearty laughter and steadfast will for rehabilitation even from his hospital bed, the sudden news of his passing has brought even greater grief to the public and the entertainment industry.

Born in 1939, Choe Bul-am made his debut in the play "Hamlet" with the theater troupe "Experimental Theater Association" in 1959, and began his full-fledged acting career as a member of the National Theater Company in 1965.

His entry into television drama came when he was selected as a special recruit for the sixth class of Seoul Central Broadcasting (now KBS) talents in 1967. He established himself as a "National Actor" through roles such as the elderly Kim Jong-seo in the drama "Prince Suyang," Captain Park Young-han in MBC's "Detective Chief," Chairman Kim in "Country Diary," Captain Park in "You and Me," and former President Syngman Rhee in "The First Republic" and "The Second Republic."

In May, an MBC documentary titled "Paha, I Am Choe Bul-am," which chronicled Choe's more than 60-year acting career, was released in two parts. Although it was initially reported that Choe would appear in the documentary, he did not stand before the camera at the request of his family, who wished for him to focus on his rehabilitation treatment.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original